New Millennium, New Complex!

Though the idea for the regeneration of Manchester Docks came in the 1980’s, construction of The Lowry complex was not complete until 2000. However, with its impressive gallery, shopping mall, footbridge and two theatres, it breathed new life into the area and was considered by locals to be well worth the wait. Some 820,000 people are said to visit it each year.

The art gallery is one of the most iconic attractions, and it may not come as a surprise to learn that paintings by L.S Lowry make up the vast majority of its collection. These paintings - which often depict city scenes - help visitors to connect with and understand Manchester’s industrial past. Around 400 original works are on display, combined with other forms of multimedia designed to help bring the art to life.

The two theatres represent the other main attractions within the Lowry complex. The larger of the two is known as ‘The Lyric Theatre’ and the smaller ‘The Quays Theatre’. The Lyric Theatre is the largest theatre in the UK outside of London, and has seen some of the nation’s rising stars appear during the audition stages of Britain’s Got Talent.